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Emma Original vs. Simba Hybrid

Emma Vs. Simba Mattress Comparison - UK (2023)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 6 Min.

Finding a new mattress can be challenging.

But how do you decide if you're torn between two fantastic mattresses?

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are two of the best mattresses in the UK. 🇬🇧

We've compared the two below to help you make the best decision.

We highlight key differences and guide you on which one would be best for you!

So let's get comparing. 🥳

Emma vs Simba

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

Emma Original vs Simba Hybrid mattress comparison

Both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses.

But the composition of these two is remarkably different.

If you'd like to read our in-depth analyses of the Emma Original and Simba Hybrid mattresses, we'd suggest you turn to our mattress reviews:

Below, you'll find a side-by-side comparison of the two mattresses.

Simba Hybrid Emma Original
Type of mattress: Hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress Foam mattress
Mattress height: 25 cm (10 inches) 25 cm (10 inches)
Mattress layers:

Four layers:

Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam

Aerocoil mini conical pocket springs

Stability layer

SupportCore barrel spring base

Three foam layers:

Airgocell foam

Viscoelastic memory foam

HRX polyfoam

Firmness: Medium-firm Soft
Stability & support: Good support, pressure distribution, and edge-to-edge support, no matter your preferred sleeping position. An orthopaedic choice that offers good stability, support, and pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Suitable for:

Light- and average-weight sleepers.

People who sleep on their side or back.

People who like a medium-firm feel.

Heavy sweaters.

Restless sleepers.

Light- and average-weight sleepers.

People who like a soft mattress.

Side sleepers.

Those needing orthopaedic support.

Temperature: Excellent temperature regulation Very good temperature regulation
Motion isolation: Low motion transfer, but you may feel some movement Very low motion transfer
Mattress cover: Hypoallergenic 100% polyester cover that's not machine-washable. Larger sizes have 4 side carrying handles. Hypoallergenic cover that's removable & machine-washable at 60℃ with 4 side carrying handles.
Purchase: 40% OFF SIMBA HYBRID 20% OFF EMMA ORIGINAL PLUS + 5% OFF W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"

Even though the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are high-quality choices, they are very different in composition.

Simba Hybrid mattress
The Simba mattress combines pocket springs with foam.

The Simba mattress is a hybrid model that combines conical mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam, while the Emma Original is largely a memory foam mattress.

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Interestingly, Simba used to be a pocket sprung memory foam mattress. 🤔

This previous version featured a layer of memory foam and a layer of latex foam, making it more similar to the Emma Original.

Simba Sleep has replaced the older version of the Simba mattress with one that's more breathable. 💨

The mattresses are now suitable for different people.

We'll go through the specific composition and features of each mattress in more detail in the next section.

Emma vs Simba: Which mattress is best suited to you?

The Simba Hybrid and Emma Original mattresses are both very comfortable, but they're suited to very different types of people.

The mattresses have different levels of firmness and different compositions that highlight unique features.

Both, though, are excellent choices if you're looking for mattresses that are more environmentally friendly. 🌱

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The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

They're also both fire-retardant & adhere to UK fire regulation BS7177. 🔥

Simba Hybrid: superior support and breathability

The Simba Hybrid is slightly softer and offers better temperature regulation than the Emma Original.

We've rated it at 5.5 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

Simba Hybrid firmness scale

The Simba mattress offers excellent support, even pressure distribution, and optimal spinal alignment no matter which sleeping position you prefer.

It is particularly comfortable if you sleep on your back. 😴

This mattress also offers excellent edge support, meaning that you can use the full width of the mattress without ever feeling like you're falling off the sides.

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It's also easy to move around on, making it suitable for restless sleepers. 🕺

Simba mattress sitting on side

Simba mattress side sleeper

Finally, the Simba Hybrid has been designed with breathability in mind, making it an excellent choice for heavier sweaters.

Choose the Simba Hybrid if you:

  • Are a light- or average-weight sleeper.
  • Sleep on your side or back.
  • Prefer mattresses with medium firmness.
  • Are a warm sleeper or sweat a little more heavily.
  • Are a restless sleeper.
  • Like the hybrid design.
  • Want good edge support.

The Simba mattress cover is also removable and washable. 😔

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You can also clean the grey base fabric with a soft, damp cloth, but we would strongly recommend using a waterproof mattress protector to safeguard your mattress.

Simba mattress edge support

Simba Hybrid mattress side handles

We've linked to a few of our favourite mattress protectors at the bottom of this section.

Emma Original: soft, body-hugging comfort

The Emma mattress is slightly firmer than the Simba Hybrid.

We've rated it as 6 out of 10 on the Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

Emma Original firmness scale

This makes it an excellent choice for lighter- or average-weight people, particularly if they like to sleep on their side.

When sleeping on your side, your hips and shoulders need to sink in more deeply to keep your spine optimally aligned. 📐

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The Emma mattress allows for this.

It is also often recommended as an orthopaedic mattress.

The one drawback of this body-hugging comfort is that moving around on the Emma mattress becomes a little more cumbersome. 💃

Emma Original person sitting

Emma mattress side sleeper

So, we wouldn't recommend memory foam mattresses like the Emma Original for restless sleepers.

Choose the Emma Original if you:

  • Want a mattress with body-hugging support and orthopaedic properties.
  • Are of lighter or medium build.
  • Sleep on your side.
  • Prefer soft mattresses.
  • Want a no-fuss mattress with a removable and machine-washable cover.

The Emma Original will be less suitable if you're of a larger build, a pure back or stomach sleeper, a heavier sweater, or a restless sleeper.

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Emma Original firmness

Emma Original sinkage

Even though the Emma Original has a machine-washable cover, we'd recommend further safeguarding your mattress with a mattress protector.

Mattress protectors safeguard against moisture, spills, and bacteria, and elongate the lifespan of your mattress.

Our favourite UK mattress protectors:

Emma vs Simba mattress composition

The Emma mattress and the Simba mattress are two very different mattresses.

Simba mattress composition

The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress that combines mini pocket springs with multiple layers of foam. 🌀

Simba Sleep advertises it as a 5-layer mattress, but they include the mattress cover in this.

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There are only four layers to the actual mattress.

These four layers are:

  • Open-cell, graphite-infused Simbatex foam
  • Up to 2500 Aerocoil conical pocket springs
  • CertiPur stability layer
  • No roll-off SupportCore base with up to 1000 barrel springs

The Simba Hybrid has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).

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Simba Hybrid mattress composition

Simba mattress height

Emma mattress composition

The Emma mattress is primarily a memory foam mattress, made up of 3 different layers of foam.

These three foam layers are:

  • A top layer of pressure-relieving Airgocell foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A core of viscoelastic memory foam (3 cm / 1.1 inches)
  • A base layer of HRX polyfoam (19 cm / 7.4 inches)

The Emma Original has a total height of 25 cm (10 inches).

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Emma mattress composition

Emma mattress back sleeper

Emma vs Simba mattress price & size comparison

Price differences vary depending on the mattress dimensions, but the Simba Hybrid mattress is generally more expensive than the Emma Original.

Both brands regularly offer promotions.

You could very well grab your new Emma mattress or Simba mattress at a much lower price!

UK mattress sizes
UK mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes.

Current discount codes, if available, will be highlighted throughout this article.

Also, look at our discounts page to view all current UK promotions.

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Both brands are available in standard UK mattress sizes and some European sizes. 🇪🇺

These include the European single-size mattress, European double mattress, and the European queen mattress.

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How do the Emma and Simba delivery conditions & trial periods differ?

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are based on the bed-in-a-box principle and delivered straight to your front door.

The table below gives a brief overview of the remarkably similar delivery conditions.

Simba Hybrid Emma Original
Delivery: Bed-in-a-box principle Bed-in-a-box principle
Delivery time: 1 - 3 working days 1 - 3 working days
Delivery cost: Free delivery within mainland UK Free delivery within mainland UK
Trial period: 200-day trial period 200-night trial
Returns: Free returns Free returns
Warranty: 10-year guarantee 10-year guarantee

Free delivery

The Emma and Simba mattresses are delivered straight to your home, rolled up and vacuum-sealed in a compact box. 📦

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The boxes have been deliberately designed to fit through any narrow passageway and can easily be handled by one person.

Simba mattress unboxing
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are pretty easy to unbox.

Both brands have a fast delivery time, with free delivery within the UK.

Once unpacked and the vacuum seal removed, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid will expand to their full size within a few hours. ⏰

Risk-free trial periods & free returns

Both mattresses come with a 200-day risk-free trial period.

Risk-free trial periods allow you to try the mattress in the comfort of your own home, allowing your body to get used to it. 🛌

risk-free trial period
We love risk-free trial periods.

After all, it can take the body a while to become accustomed to a new mattress.

If you're not convinced that the mattress is right for you during your trial, you can return it for a full refund.

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Both Emma and Simba offer free returns.

10-year guarantee

The Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid mattresses also come with a 10-year guarantee.

Emma mattress rolled up

Emma Original in plastic

This warranty will cover you in case of manufacturing defects or premature sagging.

Terms and conditions apply.

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What else do Emma Sleep and Simba Sleep offer?

Once you've invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you also need sleep accessories to kit out your bedroom fully.

Both Emma and Simba offer some fantastic sleep accessories and a few premium bed bases and frames.👌

These include:

And so much more!

We've included our favourites below:

Advantages and disadvantages of the two mattresses

To sum up, here is a table overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both mattresses.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Simba Hybrid:

Simba Hybrid mattress
Advantages:

Innovative structure with a slightly springy feel.

Very comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers.

Adapts well to the body.

Very good breathability.

Removable and washable cover.

Free delivery & returns.

200-night trial period.

Available in a wide range of sizes.

Disadvantages:

The mattress is quite heavy.

40% OFF SIMBA HYBRID

Advantages and disadvantages of the Emma Original:

Emma Original mattress
Advantages:

Soft & comfortable to give you that "sleeping-on-a-cloud" feeling.

Offers excellent adaptability & high point elasticity for orthopaedic support.

Exceptionally low motion transfer, making it a brilliant choice for couples.

Good temperature regulation.

Very well-suited to side sleepers.

Machine-washable top cover.

Free shipping & free returns.

200-day risk-free trial period.

10-year guarantee.

100% vegan.

Disadvantages:

May be too soft for heavier-weight people, larger builds, or back sleepers.

The side carrying handles are a little weak, especially for the larger mattress sizes.

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Read Sleep Hero reviews:

What about other Emma vs Simba mattress comparisons?

Even though the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are the flagship products, both brands also have a few other mattresses available.

The other Simba mattresses (Simba Hybrid Essential, Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid Luxe) are very similar in composition to the Simba mattress. 🙌

But, these are more premium mattresses with a greater height and better temperature regulation.

This excludes the Simba Essential, of course, which is a low-height "budget" mattress.

BUY SIMBA ESSENTIAL£ 749

simba hybrid essential
The Simba Hybrid Essential is a low-height mattress.

The other Emma mattresses, in contrast, are remarkably different.

While the Emma Original is a pure memory foam mattress, the Emma Hybrid and the Emma Premium are both hybrid mattresses.

These are more similar in composition to the Simba Hybrid.

Simba Hybrid vs Emma Hybrid

The Emma Hybrid and the Simba Hybrid are both hybrid mattresses that feature mini pocket springs.

The key difference between these two is that the Emma Hybrid has an additional layer of memory foam. In contrast, the Simba Hybrid has an additional layer of open-cell Simbatex foam.

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The Simbatex foam will be better suited to more restless sleepers. 🏃‍♂️

The Simba Hybrid also offers better breathability than the Emma Hybrid, making it more suited to heavier sweaters.

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Simba Hybrid vs Emma Premium

While the Emma Premium is also a hybrid mattress, it uses full-size pocket springs, not mini pocket springs. 🌀

The Simba Hybrid, Simba Hybrid Pro, and the Simba Hybrid Luxe all use mini pocket springs.

You'll get far more stability, support, and breathability from the Emma Premium mattress than you would from the Simba mattress.

5% OFF EMMA PREMIUM PLUS W/ "SLEEPHEROUK5"

Simba hybrid luxe
The Simba Hybrid Luxe is a thick and luxurious mattress.

The Simba Hybrid Pro and Simba Hybrid Luxe are both thicker mattresses, though. ⭐️

Depth of Emma Premium and Simba premium mattresses:

  • The Emma Premium has a height of 25 cm (10 inches)
  • The Simba Hybrid Pro has a height of 28 cm (11 inches)
  • The Simba Hybrid Luxe has a height of 31 cm (12 inches)

If you're looking for a bed that looks far more luxurious and is easier to get in and out of, then the Simba Hybrid Pro and the Simba Hybrid Luxe are better choices.

Which mattress is better, the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid?

As you'll have hopefully discovered in our Emma vs Simba review, both the Emma Original and the Simba Hybrid are high-quality mattresses that offer comfort and support for the best night's sleep.

One isn't necessarily better than the other, but they are suitable for very different types of people.

The Simba Hybrid is best suited to:

  • People who like hybrid mattresses.
  • Light- and average-weight sleepers.
  • People who sleep on their side or back.
  • People who like a medium-firm feel.
  • People who prefer more edge support.
  • Heavy sweaters.
  • Restless sleepers.

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The Emma Original is best suited to:

  • People of lighter or medium build.
  • Side sleepers.
  • People who prefer soft mattresses.
  • People who require an orthopaedic mattress that will offer body-hugging comfort and relieve pressure points.

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Regardless of your choice, you'll get to enjoy a risk-free trial period, giving you the chance to try out the mattress in the comfort of your own home.

After all, testing a mattress is the only way to figure out if it's perfect for you. 🥳

And if you're not 100% convinced, you can return the mattress for a full refund.

Contact Emma Sleep UK and Simba Sleep UK

If you need to get in touch with these brands directly, you'll find the respective contact details below.

Contact Emma Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Emma UK directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at support@emma-mattress.co.uk, visit their live online chat, or complete their online contact form.

Registered office: Emma Matratzen GmbH, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 78, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Contact Simba Sleep UK

Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm., and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EU

Frequently asked questions

  • Should you choose Emma, Eve, or Simba mattresses?


    If you're torn between the Emma Original, Eve mattress, and the Simba Hybrid, then you'll have to choose one of three very high-quality options.

    We would recommend you read our full Emma vs Simba review here, as well as our Emma vs Eve review and Eve vs Simba review.

    These will give you a lot more detail in helping you decide.

    But here a quick overview:

    • The Emma Original is a memory foam mattress with good orthopaedic properties that's well suited to lighter-weight side sleepers.
    • The Eve Original is a memory foam mattress better suited to a wider range of sleeping positions.
    • The Simba Hybrid is a hybrid mattress that's good for restless sleepers, heavier sweaters, and those requiring a little more support.

    All three mattresses come with a risk-free trial period, so you can return them for a full refund if you're not 100% satisfied.

  • Should you choose Emma, Simba, or Nectar mattresses?


    While both the Emma Original and the Nectar are memory foam mattresses, the Nectar can be regarded as more of a pure memory foam mattress.

    In terms of composition, the Nectar is an entirely different mattress to the Simba Hybrid.

    The Nectar is also much firmer than the Emma Original or the Simba Hybrid.

    It is particularly well-suited to sleepers of average weight who like a firmer feel.

    Our suggestion:

    • Choose the Emma Original if you're a lighter-weight side sleeper and want an orthopaedic mattress.
    • Choose the Simba Hybrid if you need breathability and enjoy a cooler feel when sleeping.
    • Choose the Nectar if you're of average weight and like the memory foam feel.

    The Emma Original and Simba Hybrid come with a 200-day trial period, while the Nectar comes with a 365-night trial.

    This means that you can try any of these mattresses for an elongated period of time to see if they're right for you. 

    And if they're not, you can return them for a full refund.

    45% OFF NECTAR

  • Can I buy the Emma mattress and the Simba mattress on Amazon?


    Both the Simba Hybrid mattress and the Emma mattress are available on Amazon in the UK.

    Amazon in the UK is better than other stockists or independent retailers.

    You generally get the same trial period and delivery conditions as when you buy from the mattress brands directly.

    Occasionally, you'll even get the same discounts! 

    This isn't the case with Simba but is generally true with Emma mattresses. 

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Content Director & Partner Relations

My mum calls me "bear" because I like to sleep so much. I never thought that, one day, I'd be a certified sleep coach and apply my skills more widely. Can you tell that I've found my calling? 

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